Ten Trends 2009

Netbooks

Wikipedia says “a netbook is a small to medium sized, light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimised for internet based services such as web browsing and e-mailing.”

Major suppliers see the potential for such a machine in the marketplace…

These versatile machines are being made cheaply available to many children around the world…

$100 laptop

The XO is a potent learning tool designed and built especially for children in developing countries, living in some of the most remote environments. It’s about the size of a small textbook. It has built-in wireless and a unique screen that is readable under direct sunlight for children who go to school outdoors. It’s extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun. All this for only $100!

Conclusions…

• Price point makes these accessible for all students

• Personal ownership eliminates need for schools to worry about software updates and operating system etc

• Need to consider how to provide wireless access across our whole campus